Aiséirí by Emer Ní Scolaí
Aiséirí is a story of resurrection. It explores the themes of life and death, combining old compositions with new and self-composed.
It is a testament to the beauty of life, entering into some of its highs and lows, the adversities that force us to change and see things differently. It’s all the little deaths we face along the way and learning to view them as powerful opportunities for growth - if we’re brave enough to embrace them.
Aiséirí is for Ireland, it is for the music, language and people of the place I love so much. It is for all of our great heroes, all those who sacrificed, all those whose stories live on and those whose don’t.
Aiséirí is dedicated to my grandad, who never failed to give me the courage needed to rise again. May his spirit live on in the hearts of many.
What Critics are Saying:
From my early encounters with Emer as a young harper at various festivals and summer schools, I was struck by her innate musicality and creativity. These aspects of her playing are clearly to be heard on her debut recording. From the depth of emotion in her slow air playing (whether those from her family singing tradition or her own compositions), to the joyful exuberance in her dance tunes, this album showcases Emer’s expressiveness, creativity and sheer love of the music. Her versatility (and that of the Irish harp) shines through the variety of pieces from historic harpers tunes and traditional slow airs to contemporary dance tunes and her own thoughtfully-crafted compositions. Combined with detailed notes outlining Emer’s own musical journey, this is a recording not to be missed!
Gráinne Hambly
Mayo
The resurgence of the Irish harp is one of the most significant features of the modern tradition. Emer Ní Scolaí, a gifted player and intuitive composer, has chosen the theme of renewal to produce an outstanding recording, where source is respected and originality embraced. Faithful to those harpers and musicians who inspired her, the spirit of Emer's grandfather, the great Clare flute player, singer and collector Séamus Mac Mathúna, burns brightly throughout. Rath do cheirde ort a Emer!
Seán Potts
Dublin
A performance full of intricate articulation and effortless flow, with notes that dance and strings that sing—shaping and releasing a mastery of the instrument, borne from a deep understanding of the music.
All technical demands are cast aside, leaving only the pure beauty of the music. Simply, beautiful !
Dónal O Connor
Belfast
Aiséirí from Emer Ní Scolaí is a beautiful blend of sensitive reimagining of some of the most well known pieces in Irish music and her own composed music that sits comfortably within the harping and wider Irish traditional music tradition. The influence of her family’s rich heritage and contribution to our music and song is evident throughout the album, typified by the wonderful composition Daideo Mo Chroí, a heartfelt acknowledgment of her relationship with her Daideo, the late, great Seamus Mac Mathúna.
Paudie O Connor
Kerry
Tracklist
Credits
I wish to thank Dr Adam Girard, for his exceptional sound work, production management, and steady guiding hand. He, along with the staff at the Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA), made me feel entirely at home.
My sincere thanks to ITMA also for the generous use of their superb recording studio on Merrion Square. I am especially grateful to Iarlaith Mac Gabhann at ITMA for his valuable, insightful reviews and consistent encouragement throughout the recording and selection process.
My heartfelt appreciation to the brilliant master musician and artist Barry Kerr for his beautiful cover artwork.
The phrase “standing on the shoulders of giants” comes to mind as I reflect on the many extraordinary teachers who shaped my musical journey from the age of eight starting out in Ceoltoirí Cluain Tarbh and CCE Beaumont: Ciara O’Grady, Emer Toale, Gráinne Hambly, and Áine Ní Dhubhghaill at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Áine, in particular, offered a decade of unwavering encouragement and mentorship not to mention generous invitations to play in the iconic Pearse Museum in Marlay Park, Dublin.
I am indebted to the many inspiring teachers at Scoil Éigse, Belfast TradFest, Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy, Scoil Gheimhridh Gaoth Dobhair and Scoil Acla and the highlight of every year, An Chúirt Chruitireachta in Termonfeckin, Co Louth—each of whom left their mark on this music.
A special mention goes to my harp maker, Larry Fisher, for crafting the beautiful instrument used in this recording. Thanks also to Dónal O’Connor for his invaluable advice.
My deepest thanks to my sisters:
Sorcha, for her low whistle accompaniment on track five and 12 (performed on Setanta Whistle) Caoilfhionn and Síofra, for their constant support during production in 2024.
Album Details:
A solo album of traditional Irish harp music, recorded live in studio.
Performed by: Emer Ní Scolaí, Harp
Accompaniment by: Sorcha Ní Scolaí, Low Whistle (Setanta Whistles) – Track Five and twelve.
Recorded and Produced by: Dr Adam Girard at ITMA, Dublin
With assistance from: Iarlaith Mac Gabhann
Mixed by: David Francis O'Gorman at The Gallery Studio, México City
Mastered by: Ivan Jackman at Hellfire Studios, Dublin
Cover Art: Barry Kerr – www.barrykerr.com
Contact
www.sult.ie
+353 87 097 2783
sultceol@gmail.com
Socials
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© Emer Ní Scolaí 2025
License
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Emer is from the Northside of Dublin. Trained both traditionally, and classically at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM). Emer’s accomplishments include eight All Ireland medals for Harp and Harp Slow airs as well as Feis Ceoil and O Carolan Cup successes. In 2019 Emer was the Royal Irish Academy of Music’s Rising Star recipient and in 2020 a finalist in Comórtas Bonn Óir Seán Ó Riada.